a) Eligible projects are defined as events, initiatives or campaigns that align with Creative Saskatchewan’s mandate to support the commercial success of Saskatchewan creative entrepreneurs.
b) The creative industries that Creative Saskatchewan supports include the following categories:
i. Book publishing
ii. Craft and visual arts
iii. Digital game development (video game development or e-learning technologies)
iv. Live performing arts (theatre, dance, stand up comedy etc.)
v. Music (orchestra, singers, bands etc.)
vi. Film and television production
c) Projects (either the event as a whole or a specific component) must present at least one of the following:
A viable business opportunity with a relevant audience that may have a financial interest in the entrepreneur; or
Impart clear, relevant professional development skills to level up an existing entrepreneurs’ business.
d) Exposure alone is not an eligible project.
Examples of past events that Creative Saskatchewan has sponsored:
Event
Reason
Yorkton Film Festival – Meet the Decision Makers Event
For Saskatchewan filmmakers – supports local creative entrepreneurs in a sector we support.
Event included speed-dating style meetings for filmmakers to pitch to Network Executives and Broadcasters – presenting a viable business opportunity.
Event included a ‘Pitch-O-Rama' competition to improve producers ability to sell their project to potential buyers, with advice from real buyers/funders - imparts relevant business development skills to entrepreneurs looking to level up their skills.
Saskatchewan Book Awards – Publishing Category
For Saskatchewan publishers – audience is made up of local creative entrepreneurs in a sector we support.
Awards are assessed by a jury of industry experts based on certain criteria, ensuring relevancy and industry excellence.
Award recipients benefit from the recognition; legitimizes business standing.
COBSMEs Black Business Networking Event
Sponsorship dollars were utilized to support Saskatchewan creative entrepreneurs in sectors we support.
Event featured networking opportunities and panel discussions designed to empower entrepreneurial excellence in the community and access to funding opportunities to expand business operations and scale ventures.
Representing diversity in Saskatchewan’s creative sectors
While not a requirement, Creative Saskatchewan does take inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility into consideration:
Does the project make a concentrated effort to be accessible to creative entrepreneurs?
Does the project directly support creative entrepreneurs who are black, indigenous, or another visible minority?
Does the project directly support LGTBQIA2s+ creative entrepreneurs?
2: Ineligible Projects
Creative Saskatchewan does not fund the following:
Capital or operational costs.
Capital Costs are long-term expenses related to acquiring or upgrading physical assets. Examples of capital costs include:
Building: Constructing new office or studio space.
Equipment: Purchasing new machinery or musical instruments.
Vehicles: Buying company vehicles.
Technology: Buying new computer systems or software.
Operational Costs are day-to-day expenses required to run a business. Examples of operational costs include:
Salaries and Wages: Paying employees or contractors.
Rent: Leasing office or studio space.
Utilities: Costs for electricity, water, and internet services.
Supplies: Purchasing office supplies or raw materials for production.
Events or initiatives that do not support Creative Saskatchewan’s mandate.
Events or initiatives where the only benefit to the creative entrepreneur is exposure.
Blanket sponsorship for festivals.
Festival organizers in Saskatchewan are encouraged to seek support for their projects though the SaskFestivals Program offered through SK Arts.
Projects that have received funding from SK Arts or SaskCulture for the same activities.
Organizations/events advocating for political or religious beliefs.
Crowdfunding campaigns (such as Go Fund Me).
Organizations/events that discriminate based on culture, gender, sexual orientation, race, language, ethnic origin, economic status, religion, political, or other conscientiously held beliefs.
Examples of frequently requested ineligible events:
Example Request
Reason
Events that do not align with our mandate but include some sort of entertainment/creative activity with a fee.
Event does not align with our mandate.
No concrete business opportunity/development for the performer other than exposure.
Event may have a similar mandate but is not in a sector that we support; Film & TV, Craft & Visual Arts, Live Performing Arts, Music,Digital Game Development, Book Publishing.
Fashion industry.
Food industry.
Digital technology not specific to game development (i.e. shopping app).
Event/initiatives may be in a sector that we support, but is targeted at an audience in its infancy.
Participants/audience are not at an appropriate stage of development in their career for this to be considered an entrepreneurial advancement.
Participants are still learning the basics of the craft.
Note: In rare cases, there may be exceptions if there is a sound strategic reason determined by Creative Saskatchewan.
3: Amounts and Deadlines
a) Creative Saskatchewan’s sponsorship program is currently open until the fund is exhausted.
b) Creative Saskatchewan’s fiscal year begins April 1 and ends March 31. For example, the 2025-26 fiscal year begins April 1, 2025, and ends March 31, 2026.
i. Sponsorships for the following year may be conditionally accepted pending fund availability after the Creative Saskatchewan budget is finalized and approved by the Board of Directors for April 1.
b) Applicants must clearly outline what Creative Saskatchewan funds will be allocated towards.
c) Applicants are required to submit their application with ample time for review, approval, follow up, and implementation of appropriate benefits.
d) Creative Saskatchewan will endeavor to respond within two weeks of the application submission date.
Click to email
